Job title: Community Relations Advisor
Company: Hydro One Networks
Job description: 48570 – Toronto – Regular – Ongoing
Hydro One is proud to be the largest electricity transmission and distribution provider in Ontario, serving nearly 1.4 million customers. We have a long history in the industry with our roots dating back over 110 years to 1906. Since then, we have worked to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our customers and communities across Ontario. Today, we’re focused on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring we are building safe communities where we live, work and play.
It’s an exciting time to join the team at Hydro One!
Job Function:
Under the direction of the Manager, Community Relations assist with the implementation of consultation plans, strategies, programs and initiatives in support of Hydro One projects across the Province.
Job Description
Identify key stakeholders affected by Hydro One’s projects or who may have an interest in the project e.g. elected officials (e.g., mayors, councillors, MPPs), municipal/regional/county staff, public interest and ratepayers groups, media, members of the general public and other key stakeholders.
Research interests, demographics and unique features of the community (e.g., recent economic and growth trends and new facilities development).
Prepare a range of written documents and communication pieces including consultation plans to inform stakeholders about Hydro One LOB activities/projects.
Respond to written enquiries and document consultation process in reports for the purposes of regulatory proceedings including written products such as letters, reports, notes of meeting, evidence for regulatory applications and hearings, news releases, newspaper ads, information panels and web copy
Participate in project team meetings
Represent Public Affairs and the community relations viewpoints in discussions of local project requirements and strategies to address issues.
Act as a conduit between the Company and stakeholders, local officials and communities to raise awareness of, and rally support for company transmission and maintenance projects.
Develop and maintain effective and strategic relationships with local opinion leaders, municipal and provincial elected officials and municipal staff.
Implement and execute community relations programs under the manager’s direction.
Prepare supporting documents and materials for discussions and meetings with key audiences (e.g., council presentation).
Organize consultation activities, e.g., public information centres, community meetings and the community events in support of Hydro One projects.
Represent the Company at other municipal, community or special events to further corporate objectives (e.g., trades shows, local fairs, community presentations, municipal conferences, etc.)
Manage logistics with respect to venues, arranging staff attendance and the production and transport of supporting materials.
Provide a communications link between key stakeholders (e.g., municipal staff, elected officials, special interest groups, property owners) and Hydro One’s Public Affairs and Forestry staff.
Ensure information exchange is conducted in a timely manner and updates are provided on a regular basis.
Respond to telephone or email enquiries from the general public and the media when they show interest or concern in matters related to Hydro One projects or other activities or issues affecting Hydro One served communities.
Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of community relations/public affairs and specifically public consultation research and techniques.
Other duties as required.
Selection Criteria:
Education:
Requires a knowledge of corporate communications specializing in public affairs and consultation to evaluate and interpret trends and public opinion patterns. Requires a good knowledge of English and communication skills to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with all levels of management, municipals officials, community leaders and the general public. This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired through the completion of 4 years of University training (Grade XII plus 4 years).
Experience:
Requires experience in such fields as corporate communications, public affairs and media relations to be familiar with the preparation of public information centres, stakeholder meetings, the preparation of material for publication, documentation testimony at public hearings for public relations and public consultation programs.
Requires experience to be familiar with the organization, the responsibilities, contacts in the areas to be serviced, the developing and organizing of community relations programs.
Requires experience with communications plans, tactics and products. A period of over 6 years and up to and including 8 years is considered necessary to gain this experience.
Difficulties are encountered in developing appropriate community relations programs to meet specific needs that will assist line management in fulfilling their objectives.
Requires gathering all essential data, contacting internal and external sources for information, reviewing, evaluating and interpreting all available information and based on this and past experience in dealings under somewhat similar conditions, recommend a course of action that will meet the criteria.
Work is normally carried out according to the applicable procedures, guidelines, policies or practices with periodic reference or a check by the Supervisor. Special assignments are received from the Supervisor, with general instructions, or advice on relatively important matters and special aspects only, e.g., targeted audience, subjects to be covered and supporting information to be used. Requires carrying assignments through to completion, with the requirement to discuss sensitive issues with the Supervisor, e.g., matters which contravene Corporate policy or adversely affect the Company’s image.
Progress and quality checks are maintained through the requirement to keep the Supervisor informed of oral/written communications, the submission of reports and recommendations and new/modified programs and feedback from the public, Company staff, media and others. Supervisor reviews proposed programs and approves major items.
Requires providing advice, guidance and work instruction to operators answering the 1-800 line.
Requires regular contact with field, or other Company personnel involved in related or shared communications projects/programs at or near the site to discuss and solve problems of mutual concern. Requires working with appropriate personnel, as required, in the implementation of approved programs and in the investigation of public complaints.
Requires frequent contact with Head Office Media Relations staff, field and various personnel to exchange information, feedback, input, etc., regarding ongoing communications at and on behalf of the site.
Requires developing and retaining optimum rapport with communications media contacts.
Requires providing accurate information and explanations to update and educate communications media contacts on various Company matters, to publicize or air items of local interest and to influence local media contacts into providing adequate coverage of and publicizing accurate facts pertaining to the Company’s policies, objectives and activities particularly as they relate to nuclear energy.
Requires carrying out investigations, interviews etc., to determine the cause of public complaints and accordingly, requires contacting and working with external personnel involved, i.e., news media, to identify and resolve public concerns. Requires responding to the media on sensitive or highly-publicized issues and attempting to influence appropriate media contacts into adopting and publicizing the Company’s’ views and making corrections on past publicized information.
Requires contact with local governmental staff to exchange information and to develop a better understanding and awareness between various government agencies and the Company.
At Hydro One we understand that the success and strength of our business rests with our people. When we develop their skills, we are investing in both their success and ours. To secure the best talent, we seek to create a workforce that reflects the diverse populations of the communities where we live and work and to create a culture based on safety, innovation and inclusiveness.
We are honoured to be recognized by Forbes in its list of Canada’s Best Employers for 2023.
Thank you for considering a career with Hydro One, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you are having difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email . Hydro One will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process.
Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.
Deadline: December 4, 2023
In the event you are experiencing difficulties applying to this job please consult our help page .
Expected salary:
Location: Toronto, ON
Job date: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 23:26:49 GMT
